Hospital investigates surgery snapshots

URBANA (AP) – A central Illinois hospital has investigated three instances of employees using personal cellphones to photograph patients during surgery.

Carle Foundation Hospital officials said the photos were taken for legitimate reasons and were requested by the surgeon, The News-Gazette in Champaign reported.

Personal cellphones shouldn’t have been used; the hospital has cameras for such photos, which sometimes are required for patient records or for research and education, Stephanie Beever of the hospital’s administrative staff said.

The hospital camera couldn’t be found or wasn’t working in the three situations. The investigation revealed the photos were shown to hospital staff who weren’t involved in the patients’ care, she said.

The photos were shown around because the injuries were so remarkable, she said.